ITE (In The Ear) Hearing Aids

Full Shell In The Ear (ITE) hearing aids comfortably fit in the external ear. Suitable for people with all type of hearing loss, they are designed for an individual to fit exactly in their ear. These devices can be equipped with external switches according to your specifications, making them simple and easy to use. Look wise, they are larger in size than the in-the-canal and completely-in-the-canal aids and cover the outer area of the ear.

Their slightly bigger style gives them a hold over the most number of additional controls and features such as directional microphones, which tend to take over the device’s outer portion space. Since they are also flexible in nature, health care advisers recommend them for mild to severe hearing loss types. Its convenient controls make it an appropriate choice for people of all ages, the younger generation in particular.

Features of ITE (In the ear) hearing aids

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are the largest of all custom hearing aids. They are designed and sculptured to fit either half your external ear (cavum concha) or the entire external ear (cavum and cymba concha). Extraction cords can be fitted to ITE hearing aids to help insert and remove them from the ear.

ITE hearing aids house size 13 (Orange) battery. The typical lifespan of a size 13 battery is between 10-14 days, but this can vary depending upon the number of hours per day the hearing aid is worn, the severity of hearing loss and the technology level of hearing aid.

In-the-Ear hearing aids come in two custom-made and individually-fitted styles. The less obvious of the two ITEs rest in the lower part of your ear – the part that resembles half of a shell. The other variation of the ITE fills most of the bowl-shaped area in your outer ear. ITEs help with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Thus ITE (In the ear) has the following features :

The larger size makes handling the device easier. It is also easy to adjust.

For mild to severe hearing loss

Custom-made for you

Variety of color options available

ITE hearing aids have features that don’t fit on smaller style hearing aids, such as a volume control.

They have the largest battery life and size as compared to smaller styles and fit very flexible to a larger receiver which has ample power for severe hearing losses.

Due to their exposed positioning, there is a resulting susceptibility to wind noise. Depending on the models offered by various manufacturers, some ITE hearing aids offer far better control over wind interference than others

Benefits of ITE hearing aids

In the ear (ITE) hearing aids are very powerful and can be suitable for profound hearing losses.

The hearing aid is also helpful for someone who has limited dexterity and reduced vision. It is also suitable for people who wear glasses.

Dual microphones in ITE (In the ear) hearing aids help to improve speech understanding in noise. They are more comfortable to wear during sports & activities.

The larger size of an ITE hearing aid means that it can contain more manual controls, such as a program control or volume button, as well as a more powerful speaker and a larger, longer-lasting battery.

It is available in both wireless as well as telecoil options. Due to its wireless availability, many models can be connected wirelessly to electronic devices such as mobile phones and TV sets.

ITE hearing aids have an increased surface area which means they are less likely to produce feedback (e.g. whistle) due to acoustic leakage. And there will be less work lose whilst talking and chewing, especially if you have a straight and inclined ear canal shape.

Long-term benefits of using ITE hearing aids are :

Improved career performance

Improved overall ability to communicate

Improved cognitive abilities, including memory and reasoning skills

A decrease in Tinnitus – the high-pitched ringing sound that can accompany hearing loss

Increased level of happiness

Limitations of ITE Hearing Aids

ITE (In the ear) hearing aid is not as discreet as Invisible in the canal (IIC) and completely in canal (CIC) hearing aids.

There can be a slight loss of natural acoustics provided by the external ear (pinna) that help with localizing the direction of sound from in front and behind you.

While wearing these hearing aids, telephone receiver needs to be held in a slightly unnatural position over the front microphone.

As with all custom hearing aids, ITE hearing aids may need to be ‘re-shelled’ from time to time since the ear canal cartilage can change shape and size. This is not covered under the warranty and will require new ear impressions.

These custom hearing aids are more susceptible to air, wax, moisture and they can damage the microphone. Thus it needs intensive care and maintenance. You should receive a set of brushes and other tools to help you keep your ITE aid clean and in good working order.